https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2280559..._black%2520noi

With this cast, I can understand why.

3.0 out of 10 on IMDB ratings.

News flash, you don't need to watch every B/C movie on cable

Phantasm (1979, Dir. Don Coscarelli) – Punctuated by a moody, atmospheric score, this classic horror film features the mysterious Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), the cemetery’s villainous mortician. Opposite him are the heroes Jodi, his younger brother Mike, and their friend Reggie (played by Reggie Banister, a series staple and somewhat of an acquired taste; the prematurely bald actor is definitely cut from a different cloth, but he grows on you). Hard to describe, the film features some unexplainable events as the three heroes try and find out why The Tall Man seems to be using the bodies of the recently deceased for nefarious purposes. Stylistically shot on an extremely low budget, Coscarelli makes good use of the sets and locations that were available to him, and is very inventive with his camerawork and special effects. It’s an impressive first feature. Non-sensical at times, the viewer really has to be willing to buy into what Coscarelli is selling, but his enthusiasm seems to seep into the audience and help sell the picture. I find the film impressive. Coscarelli knew the budget was limited so he figured, all right, the horror genre thrives on low budget films at times, and if you manage to throw in some nudity, a little foul language, and some decent gore effects, then you might be able to sell it for distribution. And he did. Also features the infamous “silver sphere” (I don’t know how else to describe it), whose effect I won’t spoil. I know even Coscarelli has admitted that in terms of the story, he really didn’t meticulously plan it out; a lot of it was based purely on visuals. Although I believe he does elaborate on the basic mythology of the story in the subsequent films. Probably won’t appeal to everyone…But I think most horror fans will want to check this one out…

The Ref Hoopla
Denis Leary. Directed by Ted Demme. 1994
A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.

It may seem odd to watch such a very "Christmas" movie at the end of January, but it originally opened in theaters in March 1994 (it tanked, of course). Then again, it's almost an Anti-Christmas movie, a Dark Comedy more in the vein of "Bad Santa". It's a terrific little film that's mostly disappeared, and never even got a proper blu-ray. Ted Demme directed Denis Leary's break-out Comedy special "No Cure for Cancer", and together they crafted Leary's antagonistic comedic persona at the time (he also does a version of it in "Demolition Man"). Leary's angry, no-nonsense thief blends well with Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis, who are at the top of their game as warring spouses, constantly belittling each other with sharp comic venom. The film gets a little too heavy in the third act, but it wraps up well, and it was good to see it again.

Did you buy this and Memoirs of Invisible Man at Amazon?

I saw at Amazon they were frequently bought together.

Tin Cup Warner Archive Blu-Ray
Kevin Costner, Rene Russo. Directed by Ron Shelton. 1996
A self-destructive driving-range-pro has one more chance of love and golfing glory. The only problem is his main rival for the girl of his dreams and the US Open is the PGA Tours hottest player!

Ron Shelton turned out some of the great Sports Dramedies, including "Bull Durham", "White Men Can't Jump" and "Tin Cup". He really knows how to craft indelible characters and comic dialogue. For the most part, "Tin Cup" features fast-talking banter reminiscent of those old Thirties Comedies, and Kevin Costner and Rene Russo handle it with ease. In fact, the film has a large supporting cast including Cheech Marin and Don Johnson, and they all get moments to shine. The Third Act features the US Open and takes Golf a little more seriously, and I understood it for the most part, even though I don't follow the game. "Tin Cup" is relentlessly pleasant.

I did indeed. Along with Escape from LA and In the Mouth of Madness(I needed to finally upgrade both from the DVD versions I've owned for years). The funny thing about The Ward is that you can only get it as a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo pack that comes in a DVD size case, BUT it's ONLY ONE FLIPPER DISC. One side is the BLU-RAY, the other side is the DVD. I had never seen a flipper disc like that before. Have you? With one side the Blu, then flip it over and it's the DVD...

Watched this last Christmas and loved it. Had to cave for the DVD because I've completely given up hope that we'll ever see a Blu release...I assume the main reason is because most people still consider Spacey toxic so the studio just won't release it. Unfortunate, cause the movie kicks ass...

Only to me. It came out in 2017. I enjoyed it.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3364264/reference/

Phantasm II (1988, Dir. Don Coscarelli) – A direct continuation of the first film, this entertaining thrill ride is a blast. Given the larger budget, Coscarelli is able to make the film gorier (watch for a major piece de resistance early on; I was incredibly impressed by the “gooey” effects) and much larger in scale. There are countless shots of wide-open vistas and elaborately staged locations. He also added a welcome dose of tongue in cheek humor (Sam Raimi seems to have directly influenced this aspect of the film, as he’s given a shout out and his Evil Dead films were clearly on Coscarelli’s mind). The plot (almost a road movie) sees Michael and Reg head out in search of The Tall Man, who has once again resumed exhuming bodies and reanimating them to act as his minions. It’s basically a buddy picture. During the film both men manage to involve themselves in some romantic entanglements (Reggie’s part of this equation is hilarious), which creates added tension as their lovers-to-be are threatened by The Tall Man. Clearly much more ambitious than the first, Coscarelli adds to the mythos (including a psychic angle) of the series and ups the stakes, all the while essentially making action figures (heavily armed, of course) of our unyielding heroes. And like the first film, this ends on a cliffhanger. Coscarelli does a great job of making a succinct, fast-paced comedic horror movie. A great entry in the series. Maybe not quite equal to the first one (the sheer originality of the first one is hard to beat), but overall a fun way to spend ninety minutes…

Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994, Dir. Don Coscarelli) – Oh…my…God. This is hands down the most batshit crazy but insanely fun film in the series. Rich in comedy, this one is. Again kicking off right where the last one left off, this one hits the pedal to the metal and doesn’t look back. After establishing that Mike has been kidnapped, Reg once again hits the road in order to find him, this time meeting up with a new ally in the form of a ten-year-old kid. That’s right. And the kid’s introduction is one of the best, most badass parts of the movie. You see, the kid is quite…resourceful. And after a hiccup or two, him and Reg really hit it off. And Bannister delivers another off-the-wall performance. I particularly love how Reg’s dedication to friendship is unwavering, and yet he’s constantly questioning his friends and always maintains his skepticism despite everything he’s witnessed. Like, every time something crazy happens to Mike his first reaction is always, “You’re hallucinating” or “You’re crazy, Mike.” Then like minutes later he’s clued in and he’s immediately gung-ho and just like, “Let’s go get’em.” As if he’s the ultimate badass. But that is a constant of the series and is actually welcome. It almost says to the viewer, “Hey, you’re home. Now enjoy this Phantasm movie.” He actually kind of reminds me of Jack Burton (Kurt Russell’s character) in Big Trouble in Little China to a certain extent; he’s constantly talking a big game and acting all macho but most of the time ends up getting his ass kicked or becoming incapacitated (although probably not quite to the extent that Burton does, and not to the same level of comedic effect, cause as good as Bannister is, there’s just no way he can match Russell’s natural charisma and comedic timing). One drawback of the film is that a different actor takes on the Mike role. Wish they could’ve had continuity there. But Jody returns to the series (I won’t spoil how but it’s probably not the way you would think). Once again, Coscarelli ups the gore quotient quite considerably, and the effects are worthy of showing off. Reg is once again up to his old ways when he teams up with an ex-military black chick who specializes in nunchuks and acting as a sexual tease for poor Reg. Thus far, this one clearly has the best action sequences of the series. Coscarelli clearly learned some new skills over time, and he showed them off here. And again, more and more of the mythology is revealed, and the film once again ends on a cliffhanger, taunting the viewer to throw in the next disc. Which is what I intend to do…The series is kind of addictive once you start it…Which probably speaks to the general quality of the series as a whole…

EDIT: Shit, my bad. They did replace the previous actor that played Michael, but that's only because the kid who played him in the first movie was now the appropriate age to return to the role. Ahhh...now I see...I still don't really like his acting style as an adult, but I get why Coscarelli made the move...When he made the second movie, there's a flash forward and the actor from the original would've still been too young to take on the role...

Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998, Dir. Don Coscarelli) – Almost a complete change of pace from its predecessor, this one strikes a much more serious, even existential tone. It’s actually really incredible the way Coscarelli, in four short years, was somehow able to completely shift his approach to the series. Not that it doesn’t seem planned, because the whole film fits in quite nicely with the rest of the Phantasm films. Somehow he manages to come full circle and perfectly tie this one in directly with the very beginning of the story. And, while maintaining the gore and key aspects of the series, he shoots it in a much more…I don’t, “arty” way. It’s not a slam-bang thrill ride like that which came before it. It’s much more methodical and thought-driven. More emotional even. But then you still have the core character of Reg, staying true to his horndog ways (and, oh boy, as usual, Reg finds himself in a bit of a…situation with a desirable woman, and that scene will forever remain etched in the viewer’s minds. I can’t spoil it, but wow. Did NOT see that coming.). And the film really devotes more time away from Reg and really focuses on Mike and his ongoing struggle to deal with his grief. And it works. Kind of ties up the whole three-way relationship between Reg, Jody, and Michael. And you learn much more about The Tall Man. Angus Scrimm even gets to show off a whole other side of his acting talent. And just the general atmosphere is different. Much more shots of the sky, the clouds, the setting sun. More low angle shots. Less cutting. There’s plenty to soak in. Hell, the opening scene alone could be seen as paying homage to Lucio Fulci, what with the graveyard setting and the omnipresent fog. Not sure what will follow with the fifth film, but this, despite leaving several plot threads ambiguous, almost feels like a fitting ending for the Phantasm saga. Won’t stop me from tuning into the fifth and final film…But this one was simply wonderful and it’s clear that Coscarelli really put his heart and soul into it…

It's actually incredible because this movie was so good it actually made me like and appreciate the previous films even more. And now knowing where the story eventually ends up going, I feel I'll have an even greater appreciation of what exactly Coscarelli managed to create when I revisit the first three films....

Tentacles (1977) — Yawn-enducing Jaws rip-off that is so dull with card-board characters with actors who could not car less and clearly there for a quick paycheck. This is one of those creature features that could've been the so bad it's good variety but instead is forgettable. *¾/***** (Blu-ray)

Goodrich HBO/Max
Michael Keaton. Directed by Hallie Myers-Shyer. 2024
Andy Goodrich's life is upended when his wife and mother of their nine-year-old twins enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids. Thrust into the world of modern parenthood, Goodrich leans on his daughter from his first marriage, Grace, as he ultimately evolves into the father Grace always wanted.

Michael Keaton is exceptional in "Goodrich". He keeps the character relatable, even when the film itself is not. "Goodrich" is a very niche, very upscale slice-of-life set in the "Art" world, and while I'm sure it's a very identifiable lifestyle to the writer-director, I didn't connect with a lot of it. I do appreciate that Keaton's character has believable dimensions and is not some cartoon character; it's a sensitively written portrayal that keeps the film watchable. I do wonder if this is based on Myers-Shyer's father or the father she wishes she had.

I don't have MUBI or whatever and I'm holding out hope that Criterion releases this like they did her other movie, Fish Tank, which is a masterpiece (I can see Criterion releasing this; they did just announce those two Sean Baker movies including Anora, which I did not expect). I also consider her follow-up American Honey to be a masterpiece (even despite not really liking Shia, even though he's proven to be way more adept at choosing films the older he gets; see Nymphomaniac). Sucks that she takes so long to choose between projects but the good news is, if the trades are correct it sounds like she's prepared to start shooting her new film in the summer or fall with Scarlett Johannson (sp?). Based on a true story, Scarlett supposedly will star as an informer in a neo-Nazi ring that resulted in countless arrests but I don't wanna spoil anything cause I've read a bit about the actual story...

Not sure how much is true about Justin Kurzel's The Order, which I'm also dying to see, but I also heard that at least part of that was based on true events...

Phantasm V: Ravager (2016, Dir. David Hartman) – Easily one of the most ineptly directed/written films I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure if Coscarelli just participated (albeit half-heartedly, as he only produced and played a role in the writing) in this to it as a favor to Reggie Bannister, but this movie is just f**king brutal. There’s basically nothing to like. The direction is garbage. The writing is garbage. Bannister seems game and seems to think he’s in another Phantasm movie but he’s really not. This movie is a joke. There’s a reason for the large gap between the films. Mostly cause I think that Coscarelli figured he ended it on a pretty goddamn good note with the fourth one. So why go on? For money, obviously. And I think the filmmakers think they cover this by not-so-subtly implying that it’s all in Reggie’s head. But that’s not true. The budget was nil. This is just…As far as I’m concerned, this movie does not exist in the Phantasm universe. And I don’t wanna make it personal, but people that actually suffer from what they are supposedly acting as though Reggie is suffering from (i.e. Alzheimer’s)? They would be offended. Now I was curious as to what they would do with a fifth film. But you know what? Doesn’t matter. I was right about my thoughts on the fourth film. That was a really great way to end the series (I stand by that; I LOVED that fourth movie). If they wanted to do a legacy sequel, I guess no one is stopping them, but this sure as shit is not it. This movie is beyond terrible. It’s godawful. Brutal. Sorry. Avoid this one like the plague. Chances are Hollywood (I could be wrong, maybe they already did) is bound to remake this entire thing from beginning to end, and just cast young, inexperienced, shit-for-brains actors coupled with some moron TikTok director who will “re-imagine” it. But let’s be honest: this is a crap, complete garbage movie. I make it a point to finish every movie I start, shitty or not, but this one really challenged me, cause I wanted to shut it off after like 20 minutes. I hung in there. It got no better. It got worse. Nobody buy this movie. You’ll hate it. It's garbage. Only reason I own it cause it was in the boxset I bought. But I’m totally fine just sticking with the first four films in the series. Those are great and wonderful and all that jazz. I’ll just pretend this monstrosity does not exist.

I'll post other reviews of better movies later on...but this one is just awful, awful, awful...

NOTE: This should NOT detract from the greatness of the first four movies. They are great. For fans, just pretend this one doesn't exist. Cause as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't. I think many would say "Well, maybe it would've been worthwhile had Coscarelli actually directed it." I don't. I think he just was eager to take a paycheck cause he figured what the hell? As far as he was concerned, he finished his saga. But if someone's willing to give him money to continue the story for some stupid reason, well, whatever. He's not exactly Spielberg? If he can make a sweet dime for basically just licensing the property off, then I don't blame him...

Point is I don't blame Coscarelli for the fact that they took his property and made a gigantically shitty movie. One of the worst movies of all time.

NOTE: I watched this movie hours ago and actually considered saying nothing because I hated it so much. BUT, seeing as how I commented on all of the other films in the series, I felt I had to say something. So that's why I said what I said.

How the hell is this STILL not out on Blu-Ray? One of my top ten favorite guilty pleasures of all-time, I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I love the interplay between Martin Short and Kurt Russell. I think this movie was wayyyyyy ahead of its time and is genius. There's soooo many one-liners that are subtle, but if you pick up on them, they are hilarious. Everybody castigated this movie cause they were like, "Well, why is funnyman Short playing the 'serious guy' and 'badass' Russell playing the 'disgruntled captain'?" Ummmmm...Helloooo? That was the point??? Try watching this without laughing. Almost impossible. This is one of the hands down funniest movies I've ever watched. I probably watch this movie at least ten or twelve times a year. This motherf**ker deserves a Criterion (okay, I jest), but seriously, it does deserve more respect than it gets. It's really, really funny. Russell plays his cards well ("Uh, nice map", "Nice dress"). He's subtle, he's not over-the-top, whereas Short's character is high-strung and all over the place ("GUER-ILLAS! GO-RILLAS! SEE THE DIFFERENCE, CAROLINE!"). Which is why the critics got this soooo wrong. By playing the character the way he was playing it, Martin Short was acting as the funny man. Russell was, despite appearances, the funnier one because he was acting the "dim-wit". I have no idea why this movie got so much hate at the time, and why it still gets so much hate to this day. I WOULD LOVE for this movie to get a sequel. And I bet the cast would unite for one. Some of them have nothing better to do. And throw some Netflix or Amazon money at them, they'd be down. Perhaps I'm the only one. But I had to brush my teeth from the disaster that was that last Phantasm movie I watched...I had my review for that movie banked but I put something on as soon as it was over and it happened to be Captain Ron because it's a palate cleanser and it's just effing funny...

Perhaps people disagree and I understand that. I'm probably being too hyperbolic but I honestly find this movie hilarious. Just like I find the other Martin Short movie, Clifford, hilarious. Both are underrated comedies that get no respect and I think will eventually go down, if not cult classics, at least as "stoner classics," cause I know dudes that watch those films on a nightly basis...Just saying...Enjoy your evening, everyone...

I didn't read your whole review, only enough to get the gist of it, since I haven't seen this one, yet.

The annoying part is that I actually have 2 copies of this, on Blu-ray. I bought it as a single title, and then I bought the collection with all 5 movies.

Hey, dude, at least, I think Coscarelli and that horrible director give commentary on it...so perhaps they can explain exactly what their thought process was...And Coscarelli is at the very least honest in his commentaries...\

I can at least promise you that you SHOULD LOVE those first four movies, especially if you're a horror genre fan! So you did NOT waste your money. You're all good, man...

Liked it, Andrew Santino

Not funny enough

Flight Risk Lionsgate
Mark Wahlberg. Directed by Mel Gibson. 2025
A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.

"Flight Risk" is an entertaining "B" Movie made on a relatively low budget, and I don't think it aspires to be more than that. For 95% of its running time, it's the three stars, -Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace inside a small plane, with Leah Remini and Paul Ben-Victor as voices over the radio. Thankfully, it avoids a lot of quips and humor, focusing more on keeping things somewhat credible.

From what I was told. They were not conducive to conservation Neither am I to be honest. I had to look up how to spell the contraption. And I swept to god if try to correct me...

That is unique

I want to see the Order too and Marc Maron has a role in it too and the new Scarlett movie whenever it comes out.

Do you have Amazon Prime? You might have compiled a bunch of Amazon digital credits with your blu-ray purchases and rent Bird for free on Amazon video ppv or whatever you call it.